Gift From the Heart’s Mobile Outreach Dental Clinic continues to help those in need of vital dental care.
The mobile dental clinic made a special stop on Friday at The Bridge on South Church Street in Belleville.
Any treatment that can be done at a traditional dental office can be done in the mobile clinic which is staffed by volunteer dentists and dental hygienists.
Gift From the Heart currently sees dozens of low-income patients each week through its permanent clinic at 20 Joseph Street in Trenton but the mobile clinic allows the organization to expand its reach to the vulnerable population.
When it’s not on the road, it is parked at Loyalist College, offering services.
Dental hygienist and outgoing Gift From the Heart Executive Director Bev Woods says the impact of oral health on the rest of the mind and body can’t be ignored.
“The trifecta is dental, medical, and mental health. You can’t take one without the other. People who are suffering are suffering because it all stems from the root cause, which is their oral health, because when these get out of whack, all the bacteria in your mouth, it affects your whole body health, including your mind.”
She says providing dental care improves health outcomes and eases pressure on other health services like hospital emergency rooms and clinics.
Director of The Bridge, Ashley Vader says that often members of the homeless population have a lot of trauma associated with systems.
“So this is just one of those perfect kind of ways for us to ease them into a new system, like the dental care system, which oftentimes, even folks who are housed struggle with. So this is an opportunity where our staff can really offer support in the moment and just you know, walk them through this experience.”
Vader hopes they will be able to continue the partnership with Gift From the Heart.
Robert had been in need of having several teeth pulled for years and was finally able to get the attention he needed.
“I’m on ODSP and Canada pension so I can’t afford a dentist. And this one here is free of charge for the general public, which I do appreciate.”
Peterborough dentist Dr. Ed Segura and his son Aiden Segura, a pre-dental student in university volunteered their time at the clinic.
They are regular volunteers with Gift From the Heart but it was their first time working out of the mobile clinic.
Ed Segura is pleased to be able to help people this way.
“It’s rewarding. I would say that’s the most, the best descriptor of doing this. You know we’ve been very fortunate in our lives and we need to give back to those who are less fortunate and don’t have the means to get things done or have the treatment that they require.”
Ruth, another patient who received care on Friday, says living in pain can be debilitating for people already struggling.
“If you don’t have a healthy smile, it makes an effect when you’re trying to get a job. People judge you. And if you’re sick because of chronic tooth pain it affects your personality. It affects, you know, getting a job.”
Dr. Ed Segura and Gift From the Heart founder Bev Woods discuss the care they will be providing to patient Ruth. (Photo: Alana Cameron/Quinte News)
Woods who founded Gift From the Heart almost 20 years ago, is stepping away from the executive director role at the end of the year but will remain a volunteer helping provide oral care to those in need.
The incoming executive director is Kareen McKinnon.
McKinnon says, “Our neighbours deserve dignified care, and no one should have to live in pain. Everyone has a role to play in supporting our neighbours and creating safer, healthier neighbourhoods. We’re proud to help make that change and provide this essential service.”
Gift From the Heart is a registered charity that does not receive regular funding through any government means.
The mobile unit was funded through several sponsors including the Parrott Foundation.
To learn more about Gift From the Heart, visit giftfromtheheart.ca.
Those interested in receiving oral health care services through Gift From the Heart are asked to schedule an appointment at info@giftfromtheheart.ca.
Gift From the Heart Mobile Outreach Dental Clinic. (Photo: Alana Cameron/Quinte News)
